Mission Statement

Slough CVS exists to support and develop the voluntary sector in Slough. Acting as an umbrella body we bring continuity to the sector while enabling members to continue delivering vital support to the local community.

We believe that the voluntary sector underpins the fabric of our society and by acting together we ensure that small groups have a big voice in Slough and the surrounding area.

We are passionate about helping small charities to work more effectively in the local community and provide the best training, advice, support, and tools so that groups can provide the best outcomes for users in a safe and practical way.

 

Our Values

Innovation - We find new and creative ways of making the voluntary sector thrive, always with a positive approach.

Integrity - We apply trust, transparency and openness in everything we do.

Inclusion - We respect and celebrate the diversity of our communities and champion equality and inclusion for all.

Our mission is to promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the community in the borough of Slough and local areas.

Strategic Plan

Read Slough CVS's Strategic Plan 2024-28

History of Slough CVS

Slough is a vibrant and diverse town and has been ever changing and this is reflected in the character of our community and voluntary groups. There always seems to be a new need to meet or an additional organisation with an idea for a project.

The Slough Council for Social Service was set up in 1932, initially to help the unemployed. In 1962 we registered with the charity commission and our name was changed to Slough Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS) in 1973.

Slough CVS has a history of working closely with Slough Borough Council and local health service. Here we have achieved a strong local outreach, through a network of more than 500 charities across Slough. We continue to be representatives on several Strategic Boards across the two Boroughs, including the Health and Wellbeing Boards, Local Outbreak Management Cell, Slough Place Based Committee, Slough Leaders Group, Health and Social Care Partnership Board, and Local Safeguarding Children and Adults Board.

In September 2018, Slough CVS took over the role as accountable body for HOME Slough, a project led by a consortium including: Slough CCG, Arts Council England, Slough Borough Council, Slough Trading Estate and Rifco Theatre. The programme empowers and involves the community in its decision-making, enabling people to have brilliant art experiences, in the places where they live. HOME Slough, an Arts Council funded Creative People and Places in Slough, formally closed on the 30 June 2023.

SCVS continues to serve the people of Slough, as it has done for over 90 years. SCVS demonstrated that we can unite together as #OneSlough, to not only serve the people of Slough but enrich the lives of local and vulnerable residents.

A History of Slough CVS is a record of some of the history of SCVS to 2012 and it is dedicated to all the people of this organisation over the years whose success has contributed to the vibrancy of the town.

Slough CVS Contract & Services with Slough Borough Council

Slough CVS commenced delivering the contract for Voluntary and Community Sector Support Services, with Slough Borough Council, on 1 July 2023. The contract covers the following activities:

  • Voluntary and Community sector infrastructure support and development, including training, community network forums, quality assurance and funding support through information and advice.
  • The #OneSlough Community Fund, a small grants scheme for groups and organisations in Slough to deliver activities which will improve health and wellbeing for residents.
  • The Wellbeing for Slough Directory of Services, providing activities and services information for residents and professionals.
  • Volunteer development and training, matching skills and experience to opportunities.
  • Community Connector roles have been created to provide information, advice, support and signposting, guiding residents, patients, carers to access voluntary and community services and providing support as needed in the Adult Social Care and Wexham Park Hospital discharge teams.

In addition, the Wellbeing Service will be re-launched in July, working together with Cadent to provide energy efficiency saving advice and information on staying safe within the home.

Accreditation

Slough CVS achieved the Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA) in May 2023, quality mark, demonstrating the impact in supporting local voluntary, community and social enterprises across Slough and the surrounding areas.

Accreditation is awarded for three years and is provided following independent assessment of a portfolio of evidence provided against a set of criteria based around the Five Functions of Volunteer Centres.

In achieving the VCQA, Slough CVS has demonstrated it delivers each of these functions to a high quality standard, that it is responsive to, and embedded within the needs of the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, and is committed to working in partnership.